Jewish Refugee Participation in America’s War Effort Reported by Nrs

An account of refugee participation in the nation’s war effort, and the impact of war on refugee activities in the United States are contained in the third annual report issued today by the National Refugee Service. The report covers the agency’s activities for 1941, augmented by a special report covering the first four months of 1942.

“On every side the work of aiding refugee is bearing fruit,” Mr. William Rosenwald, president of the NRS, states in the report. “Today refugee boys are serving in America’s armed forces, eager to defend the country which gave them haven. Refugee scientists and inventors are contributing their learning and experience both to the war effort and to civilian life. Every phase of American life — business, industry and the arts — has profited in some way from the refugee’s enterprise and knowledge — his appreciation of democracy.”

Stating that “the refugees who fled the Nazis are unquestionably loyal to our democratic ideals,” Mr. Rosenwald adds: “Our job today must be to smooth the processes by which loyal refugees can take full part in the defense of our democracy. We must continue to provide those opportunities that speed their final Americanization. We must give every assistance to their manifest desire to participate fully in the armed forces and civilian defense of the nation.”

EVACUATION OF ENEMY ALIENS HAS NOT AFFECTED JEWISH REFUGEES

The governmental measures affecting Jewish refugees under enemy alien regulations are discussed in the report by Mr. Albert Abrahamson, executive director of the NRS.

“Evacuations to date have affected only Japanese,” Mr. Abrahamson states. “So far as can be ascertained, no plan is contemplated for removal of German and Italian alien groups in that region. It is worth noting that some 10,000 Jewish refugees reside in the West Coast area of whom about 7,000 might be affected by any general evacuation. It is impossible to give positive assurance that no evacuation will take place either on the West Coast or other parts of the country. In any event, prudence requires the setting up of plans for meeting contingencies that may arise, although it is hoped there will be no need to put them into effect.

“Evacuation raises the question of responsibility for the financial obligation incurred in the process. Federal funds have been made available to assist in the relocation of families which have no resources. The Government has indicated that aliens accepting such funds will not be considered public charges and therefore liable to deportation. Despite this assumption of responsibility by the Government, it is likely that the National Refugee Service would have to play a role both in advance planning and in the ultimate re-establishment of refugees should they eventually be affected by evacuation orders,” Mr. Abrahamson pointed out.

RELIEF ROLLS OF NRS ONE OF LARGEST AMONG PRIVATE SOCIAL AGENCIES

The National Refugee Service in 1941 granted financial assistance to a monthly average case load of 2,675 families, representing 6,650 individuals who received aid each month, the annual report shows. In addition, an average 1,251 non-relief families, each month, received supplementary services, including medical attention and help with family problems. The agency’s relief roll, it was revealed, comprises one of the largest case loads of any non-governmental social agency.

Since 1933 the median age of arriving adult refugee immigrants has grown progressively higher–from 28.6 in that year to 41.4 in 1941. These figures, the report points out, gives emphasis to the fact that the relief rolls include a continuing group of older and less employable people.